Integral and Transpersonal Psychology: Frequently Asked Questions

What types of students benefit most from the whole-person academic perspective offered in the ITP programs?

Students entering the ITP programs share an interest in whole-person approaches to psychology such as humanistic, transpersonal, holistic, integral, somatic, contemplative, Jungian, and East-West. This typically includes the following:

Working professionals who wish to deepen their knowledge, advance their education, contribute to research, and bring greater meaning to their existing field of experience

Idea entrepreneurs or activists who wish to use their education as a foundation for consulting, writing, or teaching in the public sphere

Individuals who are in transition in lie and who, after varied life experiences, are expanding their worldview into a more whole-person perspective

International students from diverse places on the globe seeking graduate training and a whole-person education

The ICP program provides the required academic coursework and professional training necessary to apply for the Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) license. The PsyD program provides doctoral-level academic and professional training, and prepares students to become licensed clinical psychologists. The PAR programs emphasize the study of world philosophy and religion (with concentrations in Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness; Women’s Spirituality; and Asian and Comparative Studies). The EWP degree integrates the study of world religions with Western psychology and psychospiritual practice. The EWP programs, PCC concentration, and ITP degree share an interest in transpersonal and consciousness studies, but where PCC approaches these fields with a more philosophical and Western-centered perspective, and EWP adopts a more psychological, cross-cultural, and spiritually global (Eastern, Western, indigenous) perspective, the ITP degree comes to this topic with an interest in whole-person based psychological research.

Do I need to have a psychology MA to apply to the ITP PhD program?

No, although it is anticipated that many ITP students will come from social sciences and humanities backgrounds with some coursework in psychology. Students with an insufficient background in psychology may be encouraged to take one or more foundational courses in psychology from the ICP or PsyD program, or at a community college in their own community.

Do the ITP programs prepare students to become licensed therapists?

No, the ITP programs do not prepare students for licensure as psychological counselors, psychotherapists, or clinical psychologists. However, the degree is designed to serve students who have earned MAs in counseling or psychotherapy. It is expected that some of these students will pursue further doctoral studies researching topics related to counseling psychology, such as integral psychotherapy, somatic psychology, expressive arts therapy, drama therapy, and community mental health.

For what kind of career does the ITP program prepare me?

It is expected that many of the graduates from the ITP program will continue working in their established fields as psychotherapists, social workers, psychologists, counselors, consultants, activists, organizers, leaders, teachers, researchers, nurses, physicians, lawyers, or in fields related to personal development, social change, or environmental protection. Some who are entrepreneurially inclined may use their education as the basis for becoming consultants, writers, speakers, or workshop leaders. A few may go into academic teaching or research and publication.

Does the ITP degree have an online option?

Yes, the ITP program is an online PhD degree, with two residential seminars per year, each lasting about a week.

Can I attend part-time?

Yes, the program is designed as a part-time program. However, to qualify for financial aid, you must take 6 units per semester.

Can I speak with an ITP faculty member before I apply?

Yes. The Institute provides various forums during which you can meet with an ITP faculty member and discuss your interest in the program, including the biannual CIIS open houses, as well as various ITP informational meetings. You can also arrange to sit in on a class during each semester by contacting the admissions counselor for this program at www.ciis.edu/admissionsteam or visit our website: www.ciis.edu

If I cannot attend the CIIS informational meetings, can I meet with someone affiliated with the department and speak with him/her at length?

Prospective students interested in visiting CIIS can schedule an appointment with the admissions counselor for this program at www.ciis.edu/admissionsteam or visit our website: www.ciis.edu. During their visit, they can discuss their academic interests and goals, pick up program materials and financial aid information, and take a tour of the school. Since classes are online, they can sit in on classes when classes are in session by visiting online. Prospective students can also set a meeting with an ITP faculty member. By visiting CIIS, prospective students can get a sense of the intellectual and integral climate of CIIS, which is difficult to convey through a phone conversation or written documents.

What types of financial aid or student employment are available?

Government loans totaling up to $20,500 and various Institute scholarships are available. Additionally, some students are employed within the Institute as student workers (either for pay or tuition exchange). It is best to speak directly with a financial aid officer to understand the specifics, and to request that financial aid information be sent to you.

The admission process unfolds as follows: After all application materials have been received, the applicant’s file is forwarded to the ITP Admissions Committee, which reviews the complete application. The ITP program coordinator then arranges an interview with an ITP faculty member either in person or over the phone (an in-person interview is required for doctoral candidates except in extraordinary circumstances, such as foreign residence). After the interview, the EWP Admissions Committee decides about the admission of the candidate and, if he or she is accepted, makes recommendations about prerequisite courses and choice of academic advisor. The Admissions Committee meets bimonthly with the ITP core faculty to reach a final decision.

Can I transfer credits from previous graduate work? How many units can I transfer?

An analysis of possible equivalences is carried out by the EWP Admissions Committee during the interview, and the exact number of possible transfer units will be determined at that time. The ITP department allows a maximum of 6 semester units to be transferred into the PhD program. However, applicants with an insufficient background in psychology may be required by the ITP Admissions Committee to take additional psychology courses as prerequisites.

When will I get a reply, once I have applied?

After all application materials have been obtained and the application is complete, a response will be forthcoming within two to four weeks.